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An in-depth exploration of neurons, their structure, and their role in neurotransmission. Topics covered include the functions of different neuron types, the role of glial cells, the production and release of neurotransmitters, and the mechanisms of neurotransmission. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes involved in neuronal communication.
Typology: Study notes
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Study Guide for First Midterm
What are some fun facts about the human brain?
What is a neuron? A very specialized cell type whose function is to receive, process, and send information; these cells are found in the central nervous system (CNS – brain, spinal cord, retina) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS – the rest of the body).
What is a nerve? They are axons of individual neurons in bundles or strands of many axons.
What are the major parts of a neuron?
What are the different neuron types according to function?
What are the different neuron types according to structure?
What is a synapse? “gap” between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic terminal (the neuron it is trying to “talk” to).
What are the different parts of a synapse?
What are some of the different types of synapses based on structure?
What are the different types of synapses based on neurotransmitter and/or post-synaptic receptors? Examples include - GABA - Adrenergic
What are the supporting cells (glial cells) of the nervous system?
What is the main function of neurons? Main purpose of neurons is to receive, process, and send messages.
What are the neuron’s characteristics that allow communication?
What is the resting membrane potential? It is a potential (electrical charge) difference across the neuron’s membrane (lipid bilayer) produced by the semi-permeable property of the membrane, which keeps the inside of the neuron negative, relative to the outside. The semi-permeable membrane property keeps ions (cations: positively charged ions, sodium and potassium; anions; negatively charged ions, chloride and negatively charged proteins) mostly inside or outside of the neuron. At rest, potassium and protein anions are in high concentration inside the neuron while sodium and chloride are in high concentration outside the neuron. The resting membrane potential in living neurons is approximately -70 mV.
What are the forces that help maintain and restore the resting membrane potential?
How are neurotransmitter released from the presynaptic buttons?
How are neurotransmitters deactivated when they are released in the synapse?
What are neurotransmitter receptors? They are proteins that are inserted into the membrane and contain binding sites for neurotransmitters.
How do receptors recognize neurotransmitters? Receptors recognize specific neurotransmitters much like a lock and key arrangement; neurotransmitters are the keys that fit into specific locks (receptors).
What determines the effects of specific neurotransmitters? It is determined by the postsynaptic receptors. If neurotransmitter is released but not postsynaptic receptors to respond to it, nothing happens.
What are the different types of receptors based on function?
What are the different types of receptors based on location?
What are the 7 criteria used to determine neurotransmitter status?
What are the major classes of neurotransmitters and some of their functions? I. Small molecule transmitters: A. Acetylcholine (precursors: choline and acetyl-coenzyme A):
B. Monoamines: A. Catecholamines: i. Dopamine (precursor: tyrosine):
C. Amino acids:
II. Large molecule transmitters: Neuropeptides: small amino acid peptides
III. Soluble gases: small molecules with very different neurotransmitter properties:
What are the synthetic and metabolic pathways for the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine: Requires the presence of Acetyl-Coenzyme A and Choline; the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) produces the catalysis of Acetyl-CoA and attaches the acetyl group to
How are drugs administered? There are several routes of administration depending on the structure of the drug and the speed with which the drug is needed.
What is ED 50? Dose of drug at which 50% of maximal effect is achieved. What is LD 50? Dose of drug at which 50% lethality is observed. What is the therapeutic index? Ratio of LD50/ED50 (larger is better = safer drug).
What is a drug’s potency? Dose of drug required to observe an effect; it is related to the “affinity” of a drug for its site of action.
What is a drug’s efficacy? It is related to the maximal effect of the drug.